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David Schoenfield SweetSpot blogger

Timing is everything. Last offseason, in a crowded free agent market, nobody really wanted Dexter Fowler. He turned down a lowball offer from the Orioles, returned to the Cubs, had the best season of his career and became a Cubs legend. Now he's headed to the Cardinals pending a physical, basically the same player as a year ago except a year older ... and reportedly about $80-$90 million richer.

Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer

On what attracted him to the Red Sox, Mitch Moreland said, "I felt like I could fit in and try to help make that goal happen of winning a championship. That's the main goal for me. I feel like we've got a great opportunity here -- and that was before the (Chris) Sale news broke, too. That just shows you that we're in it and trying to go all out to make that happen."

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Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer

Mitch Moreland's explanation for solid career numbers at Fenway (14-for-41, 4 HR, 8 RBI): "Staying up the middle, going the other way (to left field) is one of my strengths when I'm going well, and you've got a little help out there (with the Green Monster). I've always felt comfortable here. Being able to feed off the atmosphere, it reinforces the love of the game when you're out there on the field."

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Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer

John Farrell says he plans to use Mitch Moreland at first base (with Hanley Ramirez at DH) against right-handed pitchers and is "open to his at-bats growing in number against left-handers." Although his career numbers are better against righties, Moreland had reverse splits last season (.277/.320/.479 in 94 ABs vs. LHPs, .221/.293/.407 in 366 ABs vs. RHPs).

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Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer

Red Sox announce signing of 1B Mitch Moreland to a one-year contract. To make room on 40-man roster, LHP Williams Jerez has been designated for assignment.

Marly Rivera ESPN Writer

Joe Torre, MLB Chief Baseball Officer? on ESPN's news editor Claire Smith making history by becoming the first female recipient of the prestigious J.G. Taylor Spink Award – the top honor for a baseball journalist.
"I've known Claire Smith for a long time and I could not be happier for her. Winning the Baseball Hall of Fame's J. G. Taylor Spink Award is the pinnacle for a baseball writer. Claire is a true professional and has blazed a trail for female journalists who will follow her."